Back to the Emirates FA Cup for Sporting last weekend and after a great run last season, there were high hopes amongst the fans to emulate this record writes Shaunna-Grace Murphy.
However within the first 12 seconds of the start, Sporting conceded a penalty after a clumsy challenge by captain Mike McGrath and even with his great performances so far this season, the Rouslers' 'keeper Ollie Taylor couldn't get his hands on the resultant spot kick..
Soon after this unfortunate start though, Miro Pais equalised for the home side; a great goal for the long-serving Sporting player who has struggled with injury over the last 12 months. Five minutes later, after a Pais free-kick, Sporting striker Dan Sweeney was taken down in the box and a another penalty was given; with ease Sweeney slotted it home. This player that has made a true difference to the side this season.
With 5 minutes to go before half-time right-back Lewis Wright battled to win the ball in midfield before playing a delightful pass to Sweeney who netted for his second of the afternoon.
Sporting though switched off after the second half began and conceded a set-piece goal from Stamford on the 58th minute, again nothing that in-form Ollie Taylor could have done about it.
Another penalty was given by referee Mr Robinson with 63 minutes on the clock, the third of the game. Again Sweeney slotted home scoring his first hat-trick for Sporting. In the 76th minute Stamford make it 4 - 3 and there was held breath amongst the Sporting fans and players for the remainder of the half as the visitors piled on the pressure to get an equaliser.
However, The Rouslers held on for a very well- fought match showing a lot of resilience throughout the game against a useful but quite physical Stamford side.
Sporting now play Hereford in the next round on 17th September whilst Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies take on Coventry City at the Victoria Ground next Sunday (11th September) in their first ever Women's FA Cup match. Admittance is just £1, kick-off 2:00 p.m.
Sporting line-up: Ollie Taylor, Lewis Wright (Kieran Dawes 74 mins), Ammar Dyer, Jimmy Fry, Jack Byrne, Mike McGrath (Capt), Miro Pais (Joe Curtis 85 mins), George Forsyth, Dan Sweeney (Matt Barnes-Homer 90+6 mins), Harvey Gregson, Ryan Edmunds. Unused substitutes: Dom Perkins, Charlie Shaw, Callum King-Harmes, Ryan Pratt.
Crowd: 518
Sporting Player of the Match: Dan Sweeney
